The Erfurt organist and composer Johann Christian Kittel went to Leipzig in 1748 for lessons with Bach. By 1756 he had won a position as organist at the Barfüsserkirche in Erfurt, succeeding to the same position at the Predigerkirche in 1762. He enjoyed a high reputation as an organist.

Organ Music

In many ways Kittel continued the traditions of his teacher J.S. Bach, but not without awareness of the new style. He wrote chorale preludes, variations and other organ works, mingling traditional counterpoint with writing that looks forward to the Classical period in its treatment of melody.